I had a ninth grade teacher who told me I was much smarter and much better than I was allowing myself to be.
Adversity, and perseverance and all these things can shape you. They can give you a value and a self-esteem that is priceless.
The high road is always respected. Honesty and integrity are always rewarded.
What was really funny is that as I got older all those guys who called me a sissy in junior high school wanted me to be their best friend because they wanted to meet all the girls that I knew in figure skating.